Advice after latest results please

[Zadock]

Since last posting here I took your advice and increased my meds (previously 50 mcg levo and 10 mcg T3). So since mid June I have been taking 62 mcg levo and 15 mcg T3. Latest results just received are TSH 0.03 (0.27 - 4.2), T3 5.81 (3.1 - 6.8), T4 16.5 (12 - 22). T3 has never been this high, and at last I have reached T3 and T4 levels which on this forum appear to be best for many of us.

But, should I be worried that TSH is so low? I know that taking T3 will suppress it but am constantly wondering whether there really are risks associated with this?

If I accept that these are 'good' results then how do I persuade my GP and my endo to increase what they are prescribing? They think I'm only on 50 mcg levo and 10 mcg T3!

Thanks as always for your advice.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Zadock

But, should I be worried that TSH is so low? I know that taking T3 will suppress it but am constantly wondering whether there really are risks associated with this?

The risk of a low TSH comes with a high FT3 as far as I am aware and I believe this is with hypERthyroidism. However, as long as FT3 is kept within range I don't think you need to worry.

I have had suppressed TSH since at least 1997 (and I was on just Levo then) - depending on which lab does the test mine comes back as 0.01, <0.02, 0.005 or <0.005 and I don't have osteoporosis nor do I have atrial fibrilation, the two conditions doctors like to scare us with. I take Levo plus T3 and I make sure that I keep FT3 within range (around 70% seems about right for me).

If I accept that these are 'good' results then how do I persuade my GP and my endo to increase what they are prescribing? They think I'm only on 50 mcg levo and 10 mcg T3!

You have two choices here. You confess and tell them what you've done and how much better you feel and that your results are still nicely within range so will they now presribe this amount. Or if you think they wont prescribe then buy your own.

[Zadock in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you SeasideSusie- sensible advice as always! But I have in fact been diagnosed with osteoporosis (just) in the spine, following a bone density scan last November. Do you know if that makes a difference to the risks or how I should interpret my thyroid results?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Zadock]

Do you know if that makes a difference to the risks or how I should interpret my thyroid results?

No, I'm afraid I don't.

Just be sure to research thoroughly anything you are offered medication wise for the osteoporosis.

[Zadock in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you, and I'm not surprised you don't know the answer. I have done some research and reluctantly am trying alendronic acid for a few months. It has taken me six months from when it was prescribed to accepting it, but that's mostly because I wanted to feel my thyroid treatment was optimal before I add yet another drug! I think I'll also ask my endo who is also an osteoporosis specialist. Thanks again.